Tag Archives: Gregory Hatanaka

New Exorcist Movie ‘Holy Terror’ Trailer Debuts

February 2, 2017 Dustin Brown Leave a comment

The riveting first official teaser trailer for the new supernatural horror film HOLY TERROR was just released. This film is in post production via Cineridge Entertainment from the award-winning team who previously brought us SAMURAI COP 2: DEADLY VENGEANCE.

Written and directed by Rich Mallery (SOCIOPATHIA) and executive-produced by Gregory Hatanaka (who helmed SAMURAI COP 2 from a script co-written by Mallery), HOLY TERROR stars MEATBALLS’ Kristine DeBell, Bruce Lee’s GAME OF DEATH’s Mel Novak, Lisa London (H.O.T.S., PRIVATE RESORT), Kelly Reiter (The Z Virus), Jesse Hlubik (MAY, ALL CHEERLEADERS DIE), Nicole Olson, Scott Butler (WIENER DOG INTERNATIONALS), and HPC’s Vida G (THE MINDY PROJECT, JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE).

Still of Actress Vida Ghaffari. Photo courtesy of Guillermo Proano/PR Photos

Believing the strange disturbances in their home are their deceased son reaching out from the other side, Molly [Reiter] and Tom [Hlubik] ask a medium [London] to make contact. But instead of their child, the three accidentally invite a vengeful demon to cross over. After the demon violently possesses Molly’s younger sister [Olson], the couple enlists the help of a disgraced priest [Butler] and his mentor Sister Catherine [DeBell] to attempt a dangerous exorcism.

From left to right: actors Mel Novak and Scott Butler, writer-director -producer Rich Mallery, actresses Vida Ghaffari (seated), and Kristine DeBell. Photo courtesy of Guillermo Proano/PR Photos

“There has been a resurgence of exorcism/possession-type movies, so it’s a little challenging to give audiences something they haven’t seen before. But we have a few tricks up our sleeve that are going to make HOLY TERROR stand apart from the crowd. Plus, we’re going for a real late-’70s/early-’80s feel. Films like THE CHANGELING, THE AMITYVILLE HORROR and of course the original EXORCIST are huge influences on this project,” said Mallery.

Actress Nicole Olson. Photo courtesy of Cineridge Entertainment

“I’m really excited to be partnering with Gregory Hatanaka again; this is the fourth film we’ve worked on together,” Mallery continues. “It’s a little strange this time around, since usually he’s directing and I’m the writer/AD, and this time I’m directing and he’s the DP, but we’re totally in sync when it comes to the vision, so we’re like a well-oiled machine. We’ve brought back a lot of the cast of SAMURAI COP 2—Jesse Hlubik, Lisa London, Mel Novak, Kristine DeBell and Nicole Olson—and although this is a completely different type of film, it’s great to have a lot of familiar faces who are used to the way Gregory and I work. We’re both slightly insane, so it’s amazing to be surrounded by people who support our vision.”

“As Rich and I are both rabid fans of 70s AIP and New World horror pics,” Hatanaka adds, “it was only a matter of time before we teamed up to do a film in that tradition. HOLY TERROR works on deep psychological levels, and has an otherworldly, TWILIGHT ZONE-ish kind of feel.”

Holy Terror will be premiering this April on Amazon Prime.

More info at:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt5924114/?ref_=fn_al_tt_2

Please join their facebook fan page for updates:
https://www.facebook.com/holyterrormovie/

Dustin Brown

I am the Senior Editor at HollywoodPressCorps.com.

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Film, Special Events

Hunter: Future Cop to be Released Nationally at Walmart

December 1, 2015 Dustin Brown Leave a comment

Hunter: Future Cop, the edgy urban action thriller directed and produced by award-winning filmmaker Gregory Hatanaka will be released at Walmart stores nationally on December 1st and it is also available on demand at Amazon, Google, iTunes and Cable. Noted actor Becks is the writer-producer and star of Hunter where he plays the title role of Lt. Ramsey Hunter. Hunter’s life changes drastically when several jarring cases hit him simultaneously. In no time, our fearless hero has to contend with a rogue cop killer, a beautiful Southern runaway serial killer and his corrupt police captain boss blackmailing him. But only one of the cases leads him to an ending of universal truth. Mystical Cop. Deadly Force. Champion of People. Beck’s Hunter is all that and more in this moving thriller that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats. Hunter has a quick draw and a heart of gold in this epic film.

Becks stars opposite budding executive producer and co-star Salih Mayi, Laurene Landon (Samurai Cop 2: Deadly Vengeance), DeBell (The Big Brawl), George Lazenby (On Her Majesty’s Secret Service), Marcella (Blue Dream), and Nicole D’Angelo (Darling Nikki).

From left to right: Actresses Laurene Landon, Magda Marcella, Kristine DeBell and filmmaker Gregory Hatanaka. Photo courtesy of Bob Delgadillo/PR Photos.

“Making Hunter was such a treat as I worked with a talented veteran cast such as Ron Becks, GeorgeLazenby, Kristine DeBell and Laurene Landon who really helped to bring this retro 70s cop thriller to the silver screen,” said Hatanaka.

“It’s always an honor to work with Gregory (Hatanaka). I’m very grateful to him for giving me my first villainous role,” said DeBell.

Landon echoed DeBell’s sentiments. “Gregory is indubitably the most innovative director I have ever been granted the serendipity to work for. He pushes the boundaries of the status quo,” she said. He gives his actors the creative license to bring the characters to life. I love playing deeply flawed characters and Gregory challenges you to make them not three – but four dimensional, with respect and compassion. I am in awe of this man. What an honor to play my first villainous role opposite George Lazenby, a consummate pro. And Ron Becks is superb as Hunter,” added Landon.

“Hunter is not your typical cop and robbers movie, because it’s more about our inner journeys in that at some point in our lives we are ruled by self doubt and self made demons, so it’s all about finding the hero in you,” said a philosophical Becks.

Dustin Brown

I am the Senior Editor at HollywoodPressCorps.com.

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Film, Special Events

Samurai Cop 2: Deadly Vengeance at AFM

November 12, 2015 Vida G. Leave a comment

The much buzzed about Samurai Cop 2: Deadly Vengeance was the made its mark on a global scale at the popular American Film Market (AFM) with a standing room only screening and meet and greet with the film’s stars. They also had an epic, star-studded party at the 310 Lounge in Santa Monica.

The film's stars from left to right: Mel Novak, Tommy Wiseau, Laurene Landon, Mathew Karedas and Kristine DeBell. Photo courtesy of Albert L. Ortega/Gettyimages — The film’s stars from left to right: Mel Novak, Tommy Wiseau, Laurene Landon, Mathew Karedas and Kristine DeBell. Photo courtesy of Albert L. Ortega/Gettyimages

“We are delighted to present this film to the worldwide audience at AFM and hope that people around the world can experience Samurai Cop 2,” said award-winning writer-director-producer Gregory Hatanaka.

Filmmakers Bert I. Gordon and Gregory Hatanaka with actress Laurene Landon. Photo courtesy of Billy Bennight/PR Photos

This much anticipated sequel to the legendary cult classic, Samurai Cop (1991), explores the dynamic duo of Detective Frank Washington (Mark Frazier) and Joe Marshall (MathewKaredas), who are teaming up once again in this action-packed tour de force. This time their mission is to solve a series of assassinations being committed by a secret group of sexy female vigilante killers.

Actor Tommy Wiseau and writer-director-producer Gregory Hatanaka give their thumbs up. Photo courtesy of Billy Bennight/PR Photos

Alongside the original cast, the film also stars iconic actors such as Mel Novak (Bruce Lee’s Game of Death, Black Belt Jones), Bai Ling (The Crow, Crank: High Voltage), Tommy Wiseau (The Room), Laurene Landon (Maniac Cop, Airplane II: The Sequel), Thomas J. Churchill (Lazarus: Apocalypse, Checkpoint), Joe Estevez (Dexter), Dawna Lee Heising (Slink, Ten Violent Women: Part 2), Gerald Okamura (G.I. Joe: Rise of the Cobra) , Kayden Kross (Street Smart), Yuka Sano (Paranormal Activity Security Squad), Lisa London (Darling Nikki, Divorce Texas Style) , Ramzi Abed (Noirland), Naoyuki Ikeda (Blue Dream), Lexi Belle (Sisterhood), Kristine De Bell (Darling Nikki, Meatballs) and Joycelyne Lew (Mad Cowgirl, Ride With the Devil), who were both leads in Jackie Chan’s The Big Brawl and countless others.

Actress Bai Ling strikes a pose in a racy leopard print. Photo courtesy of Billy Bennight/PR Photos

Other celebrities and VIPs in attendance were the film’s producers Joseph Kelbie Williamson, Rich Mallery, as well as filmmaker Bert I. Gordon (Secrets of a Psychopath), actors Hank Garrett (Three Days of the Condor), Jamie Bernadette (Darling Nikki), Magda Marcella (Hunter) Vida Ghaffari (The Mindy Project), journalists Maryam Morrison and Mathew Morrison of Eden Magazine, Tyrone Tann of Stauros Entertainment, Jesse Torrero of AV Entertainment Live, celebrity photographers Albert L. Ortega, Bob Delgadillo, Billy Bennight – and many more!

Writer-director-producer Gregory Hatanaka with actors Mathew Karedas and Mel Novak. Photo courtesy of Billy Bennight/PR Photos

Founded in 1981, the AFM quickly became the premiere global marketplace where Hollywood’s decision-makers and trendsetters all gather under one roof. Unlike a film festival, the AFM is a marketplace where production and distribution deals are closed. In just eight days, more than $1 billion in deals will be sealed — on both completed films and those in every stage of development and production — making AFM the must-attend industry event where Samurai Cop 2 was highlighted on a grand scale.

Filmmakers and actors Tyrone Tann and Thomas J. Churchill. Photo courtesy of Billy Bennight/PR Photos

Actor Mel Novak looks sharp in his suit from Rocky's Custom Clothes. Photo courtesy of Billy Bennight/PR Photos — Actor Mel Novak looks sharp in his suit from Rocky’s Custom Clothes. Photo courtesy of Billy Bennight/PR Photos

Yours truly getting interviewed by Jesse Torrero of AV Entertainment Live. Photo courtesy of Billy Bennight/PR Photos

With two filmmakers I admire, Thomas J. Churchill and Gregory Hatanaka. Photo courtesy of Billy Bennight/PR Photos

More info at https://www.facebook.com/SamuraiCop2

Vida G.

Vida is an actress and journalist who lives in Los Angeles, California. She is the co-founder of the Hollywood Press Corps.

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Film, Premiere, Red Carpet, Special Events

Samurai Cop 2: Deadly Vengeance’s Sold Out Screenings

October 12, 2015 Vida G. Leave a comment

Samurai Cop 2: Deadly Vengence Sells Out

On Friday, October 9th and Saturday, October 10th, Cinema Epoch presented two exclusive, sold out screenings of award-winning filmmaker Gregory Hatanaka’s Samurai Cop 2: Deadly Vengeance at the Laemmle Noho Theatre. The Martial Arts Museum in Burbank will also hosted a very special event on Saturday, October 10th at 4:30pm for all the rabid Samurai Cop 2 fans!

Los Angeles, CA , October 11, 2015 -Cinema Epoch presented exclusive sold out screenings of award-winning filmmaker Gregory Hatanaka’s Samurai Cop 2: Deadly Vengeance on Friday, October 9th and Saturday, October 10th, at the Laemmle Noho Theatre at 7:20pm. Hatanaka(Mad Cowgirl, Blue Dream) and the stars of the film conducted a Q and A after the film on both nights. More screening dates to be announced soon.

Castmates Cranston Komuro, Bai Ling and Gerald Okamura. Bai's eye-catching outfit is a nod to the genre of the film — Castmates Cranston Komuro, Bai Ling and Gerald Okamura. Bai’s eye-catching outfit is a nod to the genre of the film

This much anticipated sequel to the legendary cult classic, Samurai Cop (1991), explores the dynamic duo of Detective Frank Washington (Mark Frazier) and Joe Marshall (Matt Hannon) who are teaming up once again in this action-packed tour de force. This time their mission is to solve a series of assassinations being committed by a secret group of sexy female vigilante killers.

Samurai Cop 2 Castmates Mathew Karedas and Dawna Lee Heising — Castmates Mathew Karedas and Dawna Lee Heising

Alongside the original cast, the film also stars iconic actors such as Mel Novak (Bruce Lee’s Game of Death, Black Belt Jones), Bai Ling (The Crow, Crank: High Voltage), Tommy Wiseau (The Room), Laurene Landon (Maniac Cop, Airplane II: The Sequel), Thomas J. Churchill (Lazarus: Apocalypse), Joe Estevez (Dexter), Dawna Lee Heising (Slink, Pond Scum), Kristine De Bell (The Big Brawl) and countless others. This film utilizes the innovative 35mm trend that is being used in the new Bond and Tarantino film. Lee Heising’s scene with Wiseau utilized this film method which was apropos as Hatanaka truly gave homage to the original film while keeping it fresh and current enough for modern day audiences, which also was a great fit for his eclectic cast.

Actress Laurene Landon who played a detective in the film

“I’m a big fan of the first film and it’s amazing to work with the original cast as well as the new generation of cast members,” said Hatanaka. “I feel really blessed. I hope I did the ensemble justice. It helped to have reverence for the cast and I respected everyone’s work in it,” he added.

Actors Laurene Landon, Lisa London, actor-filmmaker Thomas J. Churchill, actor and journalist HPC's Vida G., actors Mel Novak, Amy Shi, and Ewart Chin — Actors Laurene Landon, Lisa London, actor-filmmaker Thomas J. Churchill, actor, voiceover artist and fashion blogger yours truly., actors Mel Novak, Amy Shi, and Ewart Chin

Tickets for these screenings can be purchased at this link: www.laemmle.com/films/39604

Actress Bai Ling blows a kiss to her birthday cake with her image on it

If that wasn’t enough to have quenched the fans thirst Samurai Cop 2 thirst, the stars of this film descended upon the Martial Arts Museum for a very special event on Saturday, October 10th at 4:30pm. This museum is located at 2319 W. Magnolia Boulevard in Burbank. For their legions of rabid fans, there was be an exclusive red carpet photo session and an unveiling of the Flying Guillotine Display at the Museum that was graciously donated by Hatanaka. It was also the birthday of Samurai Cop 2 star Bai Ling, which was celebrated with a beautiful cake of Ling’s striking image in a glamorous outfit.

Celebrities and VIPs in attendance were Grand Master Eric Lee, producers Joseph Kelbie Williamson and Edwin Santos, actors Joe Estevez, Gerald Okamura, Lisa London, Lexi Belle, Yuka Sano, Amy Shi, Hank Garrett, Naoyuki Ikeda, Ramzi Abed, Shane Ryan, photographers Dan Kennedy and John Cox – and many more!

The trailer of the film can be seen at this link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=996zhYei9Xw

Photos courtesy of Cineridge Entertainment

Vida G.

Vida is an actress and journalist who lives in Los Angeles, California. She is the co-founder of the Hollywood Press Corps.

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Film, Special Events

Advanced Screening of Samurai Cop 2: Deadly Vengeance

October 10, 2015 Vida G. Leave a comment

This afternoon I had the good fortune of seeing a super private advanced screening of Samurai Cop 2: Deadly Vengeance with the film’s award-winning director, Gregory Hatanaka and star of the film Mathew Karedas in attendance.

This film had such an impressive ensemble cast and so much action, that you can’t fully take it in with just the one viewing.

Big congrats to Hatanaka for creating the much anticipated sequel to this legendary cult classic. There were nods and homages to the original film for all the fans, but Hatanaka kept it fresh and often times humorous and I love that. I had many laugh out loud moments.

Samurai Cop 2 explores the dynamic duo of Detective Frank Washington (Mark Frazier) and Joe Marshall (Mathew Karedas ) who are teaming up once again in this action-packed tour de force. Both actors give great performances. This time their mission is to solve a series of assassinations being committed by a secret group of sexy female vigilante killers.

And I was on the edge of my seat with all the action packed scenes. I love how Frazer often pans to the camera in such an effortless way that it really added to the comical moments of the film.

The supporting cast was wonderful as well. Bai Ling gives an epic performance. Laurene Landon (there’s a great reference for Hundra fans) is wonderful as the tough and brash detective. Mel Novak is also amazing in a very cunning role. Thomas J. Churchill is also wonderful in a nice character role. Dawna Lee Heising is hilarious in her scene with Wiseau, who gives a fun and funny standout performance. Cranston Komuro, Melissa Moore, Lexi Belle, Kristine DeBll, Mindy Robinson, Lisa London and everyone else in the cast that lights up the screen.

Kayden Kross gives a good performance and has mainstream cinema potential. Joe Estevez is great as the angry and brusque police chief. Add into the mix the return of Gerald Okamura (including a great flashback with him from the original movie).

Vida G.

Vida is an actress and journalist who lives in Los Angeles, California. She is the co-founder of the Hollywood Press Corps.

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Red Carpet, Special Events

Samurai Cop 2: Deadly Vengeance Screens with a Vengeance!

October 4, 2015 Vida G. Leave a comment

Cinema Epoch proudly presents an exclusive screenings of award-winning filmmaker Gregory Hatanaka’s Samurai Cop2: Deadly Vengeance on Friday, October 9 and Saturday, October 10th, at the Laemmle Noho Theatre at 7:20pm. Hakanaka (Mad Cowgirl, Blue Dream) and the stars of the film will conduct a Q and A after the film. More screening dates to be announced soon.

This much anticipated sequel to the legendary cult classic, Samurai Cop (1991), explores the dynamic duo of Detective Frank Washington (Mark Frazier) and Joe Marshall (Matt Hannon) who are teaming up once again in this star-studded action-packed tour de force. This time their mission is to solve a series of assassinations being committed by a secret group of sexy female vigilante killers.

Still of actress Laurene Langdon — Still of actress Laurene Landon

Tickets for these screenings can be purchased at this link: www.laemmle.com/films/39604

Still of actors Dawna Lee Heising and Tommy Wiseau

He wears his sunglasses at night! Still of actor and award-winning Thomas J. Churchill — He wears his sunglasses at night! Still of actor and award-winning filmmaker Thomas J. Churchill

If that wasn’t enough to quench your Samurai Cop 2 thirst, the stars of this film will descend upon the Martial Arts Museum for a very special event on Saturday, October 10^th at 4:30pm. This museum is located at 2319 W. Magnolia Boulevard in Burbank. For their legions of fans, there will be an exclusive red carpet photo session and an unveiling of the Flying Guillotine Display at the Museum that was graciously donated by Hatanaka. It’s also the birthday of Samurai Cop 2 star Bai Ling, so please come out to join in on the festivities. Please note that this is a free event to accommodate the fans.

All photos courtesy of Cinema Epoch

Vida G.

Vida is an actress and journalist who lives in Los Angeles, California. She is the co-founder of the Hollywood Press Corps.

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